Oh yes! Soft Christmas peppermints are a delightful holiday treat — chewy, minty, and perfect for gifting or nibbling by the tree. Here’s a simple, classic recipe:
Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or leave white for classic look)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare your pan
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Lightly grease or dust with powdered sugar.
2. Make the sugar syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar.
- Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 250–260°F (hard-ball stage).
3. Cool slightly
- Remove from heat and let it cool 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in peppermint extract and a few drops of food coloring, if using.
4. Beat the candy
- Pour syrup onto a greased surface or marble slab.
- Beat with a spatula or wooden spoon until thick, opaque, and slightly glossy (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Shape the peppermint
- Roll into a log or twist into ropes.
- Cut into small pieces with scissors or a knife.
- Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
6. Let set
- Allow peppermint pieces to harden slightly (they remain soft inside).
- Store in an airtight container to preserve chewiness.
Tips
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy—soft peppermints need precise temperatures.
- Add a tiny bit of butter when beating for extra softness.
- You can also twist red and white colors together for classic holiday stripes.
If you want, I can also give a super-easy 15-minute microwave version of soft Christmas peppermints—perfect if you want to whip up a batch fast without a candy thermometer.
Do you want me to share that version?
